Exploring Space and Modern Warfare with Lt. Col. Will Koch

In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, Lt. Col. Will Koch, Program Director for the Space Science Program at West Point, discusses the critical role of space in modern warfare. He shares his extensive experience from serving in Iraq to working with NASA on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Koch highlights the challenges soldiers face with rapidly advancing technology, the importance of understanding and trusting space equipment, and the potential vulnerabilities in space assets. The conversation delves into the Space Science Program at West Point, recent research projects, including nuclear thermal propulsion, and the importance of programming skills for leaders. The discussion also touches on the militarization of space and maintaining technological advantages on the battlefield.00:00 Introduction to the Space Science Program 00:21 Lieutenant Colonel Will Koch's Background 01:40 Challenges in Modern Warfare and Space 02:53 Trust and Technology in Combat 03:41 Integrating Space Capabilities on the Battlefield 05:32 The Role of GPS and Technological Overreliance 08:40 Space Domain's Impact on Global Conflicts 11:30 Space Science Program Initiatives 17:47 Innovative Research and Projects 18:47 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: The Future of Space Travel 24:12 Private Industry's Role in Space Exploration 24:58 The Space Cadre Course at West Point 26:28 Space Science and the War Fighter 28:31 Challenges in Space Militarization 31:56 West Point's Future in Space Innovation 33:37 A Journey from NASA to West Point 39:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts44:06 Final Thoughts and Advice Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.Learn more: Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics Interested in Teaching at West Point? Join us: https://bit.ly/TEACHWPLearn more about the Space Science Program: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/space-science-majorConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean X: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dean.usma Youtube: https://bit.ly/INSIDEWP-YOUTUBECredits: Guest: LTC Will Koch: (https://www.westpoint.edu/physics-and-nuclear-engineering/profile/william_koch) Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (